Former CAF Disciplinary Board chairman backs Senegal to overturn AFCON ruling at CAS

Former CAF Disciplinary Board chairman Raymond Hack believes Senegal will succeed in overturning the decision to strip them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title when the case heads to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

CAF’s Appeal Board ruled earlier this week that Senegal had forfeited the final against Morocco, nullifying their 1-0 extra-time victory following a protest walk-off during the match.

However, Hack has strongly disagreed with the ruling, insisting that the outcome on the pitch remains valid under football regulations.

“If I were dealing with it, my decision would be very clear,” Hack said. “The referee is the only person who can bring a game to an end. He brought the game to an end at the end of extra time, and the winner was Senegal.”

The final had been briefly interrupted after Senegal players walked off in protest against a refereeing decision, before captain Sadio Mane persuaded them to return. The match was completed, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time.

Senegal’s Football Federation has since appealed with CAS, describing CAF’s decision as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable.”

Hack, a former South African Football Association chief executive and FIFA Disciplinary Committee member, believes that the appeal has strong prospects.

Pressed on whether Senegal should still be regarded as champions, he responded: “Yes.”

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